mickeyd
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
It seems that my fellow Americans can not help themselves when it comes to paying unnecessary fees to the banks of this country. My bank (USAA FSB) rebates me ATM fees up to $15.00/month so my net out of pocket cost has always been zero. I'll bet that my gross costs are still reflected in these numbers (see below) though.
As I recall, when ATMs first were introduced about 25 years or so ago the big selling point was that the banks would save $$$ since they did not have to hire so many tellers to cash checks, take deposits etc. and that would make banking less expensive for the ordinary Joe somehow. I suppose that that is true in some respects, but if they have to hire less folks to take and give me my money, why are they asking me to pay for this non-service at a greater and greater rate?
http://www.bankrate.com/nltrack/news/chk/chkstudy/checking_study_atm_surchargea1.asp
As I recall, when ATMs first were introduced about 25 years or so ago the big selling point was that the banks would save $$$ since they did not have to hire so many tellers to cash checks, take deposits etc. and that would make banking less expensive for the ordinary Joe somehow. I suppose that that is true in some respects, but if they have to hire less folks to take and give me my money, why are they asking me to pay for this non-service at a greater and greater rate?
ATM surcharges hit a new record for the third consecutive survey. The average automated teller machine fee assessed by institutions, on those who aren't account holders, is $1.64, up from the previous records of $1.60 in spring 2006 and $1.54 in fall 2005. Since the last survey, 22 banks increased the fee, compared to six banks that reduced the fees they charge.
http://www.bankrate.com/nltrack/news/chk/chkstudy/checking_study_atm_surchargea1.asp